For decades 3D printing has aspired to produce parts at the same speed and quality as injection molding. Although additive manufacturing techniques are making excellent progress, the materials selection, surface finish, and integrity of parts made thereby do not yet rival injection molding. Additionally, printed parts rarely complete with molding in terms of speed and cost when quantities exceed a few dozen. These factors have been highlighted in recent efforts to address PPE shortages arising with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Desiring to quickly and cost-effectively supplement conventional production of PPE, Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies Global innovated a path for using thermoplastics that are otherwise incompatible with 3D printing with improved surface finish and part integrity (eliminating layers). The new process is called AXIOM, which stands for Automated eXtrusion Into an Open Mold and is enabled by the AMBIT™ XTRUDE extrusion 3D printing head used in a milling machine spindle.
AMBIT and the Hybrid 3-tools logo are registered trademarks in the US, UK, and various other nations.
